Funding fitness

The team on Coombehaven Ward at The Cedars in Exeter will be undertaking a series of charity fundraising events over the next year which they are calling ‘Gym Haven on Coombehaven’. They want to raise £15,000 for the creation of a dedicated patient gym at The Cedars. The Cedars has two wards (Coombehaven and Delderfield) which provide assessment, care and treatment for adults with mental health needs.

The first of the events will be a virtual exercise bike cycle around some Devon Partnership NHS Trust (DPT) locations. Starting from The Cedars the crew will be peddling up to Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Services, then down to North Devon, before heading to the South Hams, returning through Torbay, past Langdon Hospital in Dawlish, and finishing at The Cedars – a total of 238 miles!

Jade Reeves, Ward Manager said: “Despite the strong scientific evidence showing physical exercise is good for our mental health, patients on Coombehaven Ward find it very difficult to exercise due to the lack of gym facilities. The establishment of a gym would allow patients to engage in crucial physical activities within the familiar and comforting environment of the ward. Numerous studies consistently highlight the positive impact of physical activity on the healing process and positive impact on both an individual’s mental and physical health.

“The ward team are very excited to be undertaking this fundraiser and this initiative is a real testimony to the commitment and enthusiasm the team on Coombehaven have to make our ward a better place for those who are admitted.

“Your contributions will support the purchase of vital gym equipment which include a treadmill and exercise bike, promoting physical health and enhancing the recovery of our patients. We also aspire to install a cardio wall, an interactive fitness station designed for lateral movement, agility training, and engaging two-player games that not only enhances physical wellbeing but also acts as a powerful de-escalation tool, helping us maintain a calm and therapeutic atmosphere on the ward.”

The team aim to raise £15,000 and donations will directly fund the purchase of essential gym equipment and cover installation costs. Each pound contributed brings them closer to creating a space where patients can prioritise their wellbeing, supported by cutting-edge fitness technology.

Jade said: “Contributions are more than a donation, they are an investment in the future wellbeing of our community. Let’s join forces to empower recovery, one step at a time.”

Please visit Just Giving page Gym Haven on Coombehaven Ward in Exeter to find out more.